All but eight of the 21 amino acids can be produced in the adult body. The eight amino acids that cannot be produced are considered to be the essential amino acids and must be supplied to the body through foods and/or supplementation.

The 10 Essential Amino Acids:
L-ARGININE
L-HISTIDINE
L-ISOLEUCINE
L-LEUCINE
L-LYSINE
L-METHIONINE
L-PHENYLALANINE
L-THREONINE
L-TRYPTOPHAN
L-VALINE

Non-essential amino acids can be manufactured within the human body from essential amino acids and various other endogenous constituents including carbohydrates, fats, nitrogen sources and other substances.

The 11 Non-Essential Amino Acids:
L-ALANINE
L-ASPARAGINE
L-ASPARTIC ACID
L-CYSTEINE
L-GLUTAMIC ACID
L-GLUTAMINE
L-GLYCINE
L-HYDROXYPROLINE
L-PROLINE
L-SERINE
L-TYROSINE

Both essential and non-essential amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of tissue proteins. The term "essential" refers to a specific nutrient that the body is not capable of producing but does require. If the essential nutrient is not supplied through the diet or supplementation, a deficiency for that particular nutrient may occur. Similar to protein synthesis, if one amino acid is supplied in a smaller amount than is necessary (through incomplete proteins or low quality proteins), then the total amount of protein that can be synthesized is restricted. If one essential amino acid is completely absent, then the other amino acids cannot be utilized and are therefore wasted by the body.

Proper amino acid balance can be achieved by combining foods from two or more of the following:

GRAINS: Barley, Bulgur, Corn Meal, Oats, Rice, Pasta, Whole Grain, Breads
LEGUMES: Dried Beans, Dried Lentils, Dried Peas, Peanuts, Soy Products
SEEDS & NUTS: Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Cashews, Other Nuts, Nut Butters
VEGETABLES: Leafy Greens, Broccoli

Amino acids and their uses are as follows:

ACETYL L-CARNITINE has the ability to improve mental function. It has been successfully used to provide nutritional support for Alzheimer disease patients.

CHONDROITIN SULFATE (CSA) is a mucopolysaccharide (MPS) commonly found in cartilage and bony tissue. MPS are a major constituent of, and essential to the function of the connective tissue and spinal discs. Supplementation of CSA can provide vital nutritional support to these body structures.

CHROMIUM PICOLINATE is necessary in the formation of glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a complex that works with the hormone insulin. When used as part of an overall dietary and exercise program, chromium may help provide you with important nutritional support while you are building lean muscle and reducing fat.

COENZYME Q-10 is necessary during electron transport. It helps to utilize the oxygen that has been delivered to the cell for the creation of energy. Furthermore, Co Q-10 may bring about a progressive reduction of serum lactic acid and pyruvic acid levels following standard muscle exercise.

DL-PHENYLALANINE (DLPA) nutritionally supports the body's capacity to produce endorphins (the body's natural pain-relieving and mood enhancing chemicals).

DMAE in small amounts, or diethylaminoethanol, occur naturally in the brain. DMAE is involved in the production of choline, which in turns allows the brain to optimize production of acetylcholine (the "memory" neurotransmitter). For this reason DMAE is often used as a "brain food" supplement.

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE is a natural compound present in joint cartilage. This amino monosaccharide has been shown to play an integral role in maintaining healthy connective tissue and cartilage.

L-ARGININE & L-ORNITHINE nutritionally support the body's own capacity to grow and repair muscle tissue as well as mobilize fat for energy. Arginine is often converted into orthinine in the body.

L-CARNITINE known as the "fat reducer", nutritionally supports the body's own capacity to remove fat from the fat cells and use it for energy.

L-GLUTAMINE can function as a nutritional source of fuel for the brain.

L-GLUTATHIONE protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals.

L-LYSINE nutritionally supports the body during times of stress when certain viral outbreaks are likely to occur.

L-CYSTEINE acts as a booster to lysine and protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals.

L-PHENYLALANINE can help to nutritionally support the body's own capacity to control the appetite and promote mental alertness.

L-TYROSINE can help to nutritionally support the body's own capacity to promote mental alertness and a positive mood.

VANADYL SULFATE is an anti-catabolic substance which nutritionally supports the body's ability to:
1.) Transport carbohydrates and proteins to the cells;
2.) Retain lean muscle mass.
3.) Prevent the breakdown or catabolism of muscle tissue.